Post-natal development and reproduction in captive bred Praomys albipes (Mammalia : Rodentia) from Ethiopia

Abstract

Captive breeding programme was carried out on the Ethiopian endemic rodent Praomys albipes. Pregnancies were recorded throughout the year. Litter size ranged from 2-6 young with a mean of 4.1 ± 1.3. The mean weight at birth was 3.0 g. Variation in weight was observed among the litter sizes. Sexual maturity, conception and gestation times were recorded. Physical developments of the young were noted.Resume. -Un programme de reproduction en captivite a ete mis en oeuvre sur le rongeur endemique Ethiopien Praomys albipes. Des gestations ont ete enregistrees durant toute 1'annee. L'importance de la portee a varie entre 2 et 6 nouveau-nes avec une moyenne de 4.1 ± 1.3. Le poids moyen ä la naissance s'etablit ä 3 grammes. Des differences de poids furent observees parmi les portees de differentes tallies. La maturite sexuelle, la conception, les durees de gestation ainsi que le developpement des nouveau-nes sont decrits.